Hit & Run

Hit & Run Charges in California

If you’ve been accused of leaving the scene of an accident, you’re not alone — but you are facing a serious legal issue. Under California Vehicle Code § 20001 and § 20002, the law requires all drivers to stop after an accident. Even so, many people panic or misunderstand their obligations. Failing to stop — even if you didn’t cause the crash — can lead to misdemeanor or felony charges. Because these charges focus on what you did after the accident, not who caused it, the consequences can be severe. As a result, you could face jail time, steep fines, license suspension, and a permanent criminal record.

At the Law Office of Wing & Parisi, we defend people across Sacramento who are facing hit and run accusations. Whether your case involves minor property damage or a serious injury, we act quickly and strategically to protect your rights. Because we bring over 76 years of combined criminal defense experience, we know how to challenge these charges and push for the best possible result.

If you’re under investigation or already charged, don’t wait. Contact us today or call (916) 441-4888 for a confidential consultation with a trusted defense attorney.

What Counts as a Hit and Run Under California Law?

California law defines hit and run based on a driver’s actions after an accident — not just the accident itself. According to Vehicle Code §§ 20001 and 20002, drivers must stop, identify themselves, and provide assistance when they’re involved in a collision. This applies whether the accident caused property damage, injury, or death. Failing to do so can result in criminal charges — even when the accident wasn’t your fault.

Therefore, hit and run is less about blame and more about what happens after the fact. If you leave the scene without speaking to the other party or contacting law enforcement, prosecutors may argue that you knowingly violated your duty to stop. As a result, even a moment of hesitation or fear can trigger serious consequences.

In Sacramento, law enforcement agencies and prosecutors treat hit and run cases seriously. Officers often follow up using traffic cameras, license plate readers, and witness reports to identify drivers who left the scene. Because of this, a delayed report or incomplete explanation may still lead to an arrest or court summons.

Our job is to step in early, explain your rights, and take immediate steps to limit the legal damage. In some cases, we can work proactively with prosecutors before charges are even filed. In others, we challenge weak evidence, dispute key facts, and negotiate for reduced penalties or dismissal — especially for first-time offenders or non-violent cases. Felony defense and traffic-related charges are areas where strategic experience matters.

Misdemeanor vs. Felony Hit and Run in California

California separates hit and run charges into two categories: misdemeanors and felonies. The distinction depends on the type of harm caused by the accident. If only property was damaged, the case is usually filed as a misdemeanor under Vehicle Code § 20002. However, if someone was injured or killed, prosecutors may file felony charges under Vehicle Code § 20001.

What Is Misdemeanor Hit and Run?

Misdemeanor hit and run charges apply when you leave the scene of an accident that caused property damage — such as hitting a parked car or damaging a fence. Although these cases may seem minor, they still carry real legal consequences. In fact, a conviction can impact your driving record, insurance rates, and even your employment if your job involves driving.

Common examples include:

• Backing into a parked car and driving off without leaving a note
• Scraping another vehicle in a parking lot and failing to report it
• Hitting public property, like a light pole or mailbox, and leaving the scene

Penalties for misdemeanor hit and run may include:

• Up to 6 months in county jail
• Fines up to $1,000 plus court fees
• Two points on your DMV driving record
• Possible probation, restitution, and community service

What Is Felony Hit and Run?

Felony hit and run charges apply when someone is hurt or killed in an accident, and the driver fails to stop and render aid. It doesn’t matter whether the injury was minor or whether you caused the accident. The law requires all drivers to remain at the scene and help injured parties when needed. Failing to do so — even out of fear or confusion — can lead to felony charges and prison time.

Potential penalties for felony hit and run include:

• Up to 4 years in state prison
• Fines ranging from $1,000 to $10,000
• Driver’s license suspension
• Restitution to injured parties
• A felony record that affects jobs, housing, and immigration status

Because felony hit and run is considered a crime of moral turpitude, it can carry additional risks for non-citizens. If you or a loved one is not a U.S. citizen, a conviction may impact your immigration case or future applications. In those situations, we work closely with clients to mitigate both the criminal and immigration fallout.

Whether you’re facing a misdemeanor or felony charge, the right legal strategy can significantly change the outcome. That’s why it’s critical to work with an experienced felony defense and misdemeanor defense attorney who understands Sacramento’s courts and prosecutors.

Common Hit and Run Scenarios in Sacramento

Hit and run charges often stem from moments of panic or misunderstanding — not criminal intent. Even so, California law doesn’t allow much room for error. Many people who face these charges never expected to be in legal trouble. They may have left the scene briefly, failed to realize damage occurred, or assumed someone else had reported the accident. Unfortunately, those decisions can still lead to criminal prosecution.

We regularly defend clients in Sacramento and nearby counties who find themselves in situations like:

• Scraping a car in a tight parking lot and leaving without exchanging information
• Backing into someone’s mailbox or fence and assuming it’s too minor to report
• Leaving the scene of an accident due to fear of a DUI or suspended license
• Hitting a cyclist or pedestrian and not stopping, even when the injury appears minor
• Fleeing a multi-car collision because you weren’t sure who was at fault

In each of these scenarios, the law requires drivers to stop, share their information, and help if someone is injured. Failing to take those steps — even for a few minutes — opens the door to hit and run charges. That’s why it’s so important to speak with a defense lawyer as soon as possible. The earlier we get involved, the better we can control the damage and push for a resolution that protects your record.

Our legal team often works to show that the accused driver didn’t realize a collision occurred, didn’t intend to flee, or made a good-faith effort to report the accident afterward. These details can make a powerful difference in how prosecutors view your case — especially when paired with a clean record or strong community ties.

If you’re unsure about your legal obligations after an accident, or you’ve already been contacted by law enforcement, don’t guess. Call our office or speak with an experienced hit and run defense lawyer before making any statements.

Defense for Hit and Run Charges

Just because you’ve been accused of a hit and run doesn’t mean you’re guilty. There are several legal defenses that may apply, depending on the facts of your case. At the Law Office of Wing & Parisi, we carefully examine the details — from police reports to dashcam footage — to find the weaknesses in the prosecution’s case. In many situations, we can argue that our client never intended to flee or didn’t know an accident had occurred.

Here are some of the most effective defenses we use in Sacramento hit and run cases:

• Lack of knowledge: You weren’t aware that a collision took place or didn’t realize there was damage or injury.
• No property damage or injury: If there’s no proof that anything or anyone was harmed, the charge may not hold up.
• Mistaken identity: Police may have misidentified your vehicle or confused you with another driver.
• Emergency circumstances: You left the scene temporarily due to fear, a medical issue, or concern for personal safety.
• Good faith reporting: You made a reasonable effort to notify law enforcement or the other party after the accident.

Each of these defenses can reduce your exposure to penalties — or even lead to a dismissal. For example, if we can prove you didn’t know an accident occurred or acted responsibly afterward, we may persuade the prosecutor to file lesser charges or offer a diversion program instead of jail. In other cases, we fight aggressively in court to challenge the evidence, cross-examine witnesses, and prevent a conviction.

We also understand how a hit and run conviction can impact more than just your freedom. If you hold a professional license, are applying for citizenship, or are currently on probation, the stakes are even higher. That’s why we treat every case as if your future depends on it — because it does.

Learn more about our strategic approach to felony cases and how we protect our clients in high-stakes criminal matters.

What to Do After a Hit and Run Arrest or Citation

If you’ve been arrested, cited, or contacted by police about a hit and run, every decision you make from this point forward matters. Even a simple conversation with law enforcement can be used against you later in court. Therefore, it’s critical that you understand your rights and avoid saying anything that could hurt your defense.

Here are the most important steps to take immediately:

• Do not speak to police without a lawyer: You have the right to remain silent. Use it. Anything you say can — and will — be used against you.
• Preserve all evidence: Save dashcam footage, photos, and any communication you had with the other driver. These details can support your version of events.
• Write down what happened: As soon as possible, record everything you remember. Include time, location, traffic conditions, and anything you did after the incident.
• Avoid contacting the other party: Even with good intentions, reaching out can be misinterpreted. Let your attorney handle all communication.
• Call a criminal defense lawyer immediately: The sooner we get involved, the more options we have to control the outcome.

Every hit and run case is different. Maybe you panicked. Maybe you didn’t know you were required to stop. Or maybe you did everything right but are still being blamed. Regardless of the circumstances, we’re here to guide you through it and fight to protect your future.

We’ve helped clients across Sacramento defend against both DUI-related charges and criminal traffic offenses. Let us help you move forward the right way — with a plan, not panic.

Contact a Sacramento Hit and Run Defense Attorney

If you’re facing hit and run charges in Sacramento or nearby counties, don’t take chances with your future. You need a defense team that knows how to act fast, build leverage, and protect what matters most. At the Law Office of Wing & Parisi, we bring over 76 years of combined criminal defense experience to every case — including misdemeanor and felony hit and run charges.

Whether this is your first offense or you’ve been through the system before, we’re here to fight for your rights and your future. Call us today at (916) 441-4888 or reach out online for a free, confidential consultation. Our team serves clients in Sacramento, Davis, Placer County, and San Joaquin County — and we offer services in Spanish.